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Steve Earle — Transcendental Blues
Album: Transcendental Blues
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2445









Released: 2000
Length: 4:02
Plays (last 30 days): 5
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In the darkest hour of the longest night
If it was in my power I'd step into the light
Candles on the altar, penny in your shoe
Walk upon the water - transcendental blues.

Happy ever after 'til the day you die
Careful what you ask for, you don't know 'til you try
Hands are in your pockets, starin' at your shoes
Wishin' you could stop it - transcendental blues.

If I had it my way, everything would change
Out here on this highway the rules are still the same
Back roads never carry you where you want 'em to
They leave you standin' there with them ol'
Transcendental Blues.
Comments (213)add comment
A great man who has struggled with his demons.
Posted 1 month ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
 itsme_bygolly wrote:
You sure? I think his greatest accomplishment was siring Justin Townes Earl - a musician who makes his father look like like he's trying too hard.
True enough. Sadly we will never know the full extent of his talent.
c.

Posted 4 months ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 easmann wrote:

It may seem counterintuitive on a song like this but it really benefits from good quality playback gear which, critically, includes solid bass (or a musical subwoofer).

I don't usually get to listen using my best gear and I had this rated kind of "meh", but with good gear I realize I was missing depth and layers that I really enjoy.
I've experienced that same effect on a number of songs but this one surprised me.



Posted 4 months ago by brimo19    [ Reply ]
And yet another reason to subscribe to RP! 
Posted 8 months ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
Great song off a great album!
Posted 8 months ago by SchoepTone    [ Reply ]
Could be one of an undiscovered Nirvana song!

Solid 8 !
Posted 10 months ago by Marhim    [ Reply ]
 ExpatLarry wrote:

Oh please, you're trying too hard. Are you one of his ex-wives?


7 for me. One for each of his wives. 
Posted 1 year ago by roadie    [ Reply ]
Impossible not to love this tune.  Go Steve, Go John Henry!
Posted 1 year ago by DW4554    [ Reply ]
 bufallo wrote:

I would hate to meet anyone who didn't like Steve Earle.




Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
I never thought I was a Steve Earle kinda gal but this is really really  good.
Posted 1 year ago by bialia    [ Reply ]
I would hate to meet anyone who didn't like Steve Earle.
Posted 1 year ago by bufallo    [ Reply ]
Mama  said a pistol is the devils' right hand. Fit's today's America like a glove, the man is genius!
Posted 1 year ago by johnfiva    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

I live in a place where music is pretty cut and dried - we get the top forty. There was once a wonderful station, pioneered by Ken Sutherland and Rich Bryan, and it was called Coyote FM. I had my first taste of Steve Earle's "Transcendental Blues" and "The Revolution Starts Now." Lots of other stuff, too. It was a little piece of paradise, in its day. Coyote bites the dust August 1, after having changed formats several times in an effort to survive.

Salutations to the soon-to-be defunct Coyote FM. When you were good, you gave me Charlie Sexton, Arc Angels, "Bridge of Sighs," and Jessie Colin-Young. When you were bad, you still gave me "Seagull" by Bad Company and "Conquistador" by Procol Harum.

I'll miss you. Dammit.



We miss you too, Cynaera!  
Posted 1 year ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
I've listened to this from my own library many times but hadn't heard the washboard/cicada until just now. I guess there's something to this FLAC thing.
Posted 2 years ago by Philipirata    [ Reply ]
Posted 2 years ago by Sweet_Virginia    [ Reply ]
Love this, and love Steve Earle. Can’t get enough!
Posted 2 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
If the vibe don't transcend from previous good moments of time to right now,  then yes... Transcendental Blues

 
Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
I don't believe Kant could have had this in mind.
Posted 2 years ago by cogbehaviour1    [ Reply ]
8-9. I was lucky enough to see him right before the pandemic shut everything down, he and his band put on a great show. Such a talent...
Posted 2 years ago by ImaOldman    [ Reply ]
one of our greatest singer songwriters. a great storyteller.
Posted 2 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
It may seem counterintuitive on a song like this but it really benefits from good quality playback gear which, critically, includes solid bass (or a musical subwoofer).

I don't usually get to listen using my best gear and I had this rated kind of "meh", but with good gear I realize I was missing depth and layers that I really enjoy.
I've experienced that same effect on a number of songs but this one surprised me.
Posted 2 years ago by easmann    [ Reply ]
"Mumble, bargle, some-thing, fuzzy, mleeeh, shoes..."
Posted 2 years ago by Hippostar    [ Reply ]
 ExpatLarry wrote:

Oh please, you're trying too hard. Are you one of his ex-wives?


hahahaha....thanks for the comic relief not to mention his three Grammys and song that have been recorded by an all star cast of artists
Posted 2 years ago by Yiungdrac    [ Reply ]
 k_trout wrote:

I dig it mucho.




Agreed! 
Posted 3 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
That's a cookin' band he has with him.
Posted 3 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]
 fatport wrote:
A great song and a great album by one of the most dynamic artists playing today. Check out "Jerusulem." It's nice to see there are still people working on the edge.
 

You sure? I think his greatest accomplishment was siring Justin Townes Earl - a musician who makes his father look like like he's trying too hard.
Posted 3 years ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
I dig it mucho.
Posted 3 years ago by k_trout    [ Reply ]
The Great SE!! My condolences
Posted 3 years ago by PeterMcClelland    [ Reply ]
 grhorn wrote:
RIP Justin Townes Earle 1982-2020
 
A sad day for everyone, but especially for Steve and family. 
Posted 4 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
RIP Justin Townes Earle 1982-2020
Posted 4 years ago by grhorn    [ Reply ]
I definitely didn't experience transcendence with this song...
Posted 4 years ago by alexandersmcmillan    [ Reply ]
 bam23 wrote:
I was looking forward to Steve Earle's performance at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass last year. No more. The band was loud and not surely made a lot of noise. But not very interesting. I couldn't convince my wife that they were worth staying for. Nor myself. As a bonus, as we left we encountered Gillan Welch and Dave Rawlings playing with Robin Hitchcock. It completely made up for my disappointment.
 
Okay, Not Sure.  Whatever you say.

Posted 4 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 SmackDaddy wrote:
This made realize we never hear the Supersuckers on here. That sucks.
 

And that's a shame.
Posted 4 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
Just so good...saw his play in St. John's, Canada in 2018.  Fantastic show.
Posted 4 years ago by ggalway    [ Reply ]
This electric guitar distorted sound gets me far inside !
Transcendental is the right way to name it.
Posted 4 years ago by eiffel31    [ Reply ]
It just one of those "Something about it" type songs!
Posted 4 years ago by Elroweho    [ Reply ]
Quadruple Plus Good ++++
Posted 5 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
This made realize we never hear the Supersuckers on here. That sucks.
Posted 5 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
 idiot_wind wrote:
This is a very goo album. He sounds just a little like Uncle Tupelo bands. Could have cross pollinations.  

 
I actually saw Son Volt open for Steve Earle in Asheville back around 2000, so you're probably onto something.
Posted 5 years ago by wtango    [ Reply ]
Time to play Rose coloured glasses by Blue Rodeo
Posted 6 years ago by dunvegan    [ Reply ]
This is a very goo album. He sounds just a little like Uncle Tupelo bands. Could have cross pollinations.  
Posted 6 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 crogers wrote:
Plodding beat, repetitive chord progression, unimaginative arrangement, annoying vocalization, uninspired lyrics.  What's not to like?  Solid 3.

 
I just disagree with every point made, as is my right.

8 from me
Posted 6 years ago by owchita    [ Reply ]
I was looking forward to Steve Earle's performance at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass last year. No more. The band was loud and not surely made a lot of noise. But not very interesting. I couldn't convince my wife that they were worth staying for. Nor myself. As a bonus, as we left we encountered Gillan Welch and Dave Rawlings playing with Robin Hitchcock. It completely made up for my disappointment.
Posted 6 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
This song always reminds me of that realization that sometimes comes upon you at 3 a.m. after a very long evening.
Posted 6 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
 oldfart48 wrote:

STEVE HAD HIS PROBLEMS , HOWEVER HIS WORST NEVER CAME CLOSE TO THE TRASH THAT SCREAMING JUNKY SHAT AT US....

 
Screaming Junky? Like Jimi, Janis, Byrd, Stan Getz, Lady Day, Johnny, Belushi, PSH and yes Kurt? Seems like good company to me.
Posted 7 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Kinda Byrd-like, maybe ?
 
Posted 7 years ago by ODAD    [ Reply ]
 crogers wrote:
Plodding beat, repetitive chord progression, unimaginative arrangement, annoying vocalization, uninspired lyrics.  What's not to like?  Solid 3.

 
Oh please, you're trying too hard. Are you one of his ex-wives?
Posted 7 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]
Awesome Billy Boy Happy New Year to you too, I knew this was coming at some point today. Nothing changes on New Year's Day!
Posted 8 years ago by Stefan_Lutz    [ Reply ]
Plodding beat, repetitive chord progression, unimaginative arrangement, annoying vocalization, uninspired lyrics.  What's not to like?  Solid 3.
Posted 9 years ago by crogers    [ Reply ]
You could still snap back.
Posted 10 years ago by averybadcat    [ Reply ]
 Peter_Bradshaw wrote:

.... yes why all the hate!!?
 
Advanced age; eye sight poor; mental elasticity almost all gone.

How am I doing? 
Posted 10 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
Any opinions on his oxycontin blues? I thought it was kind of a (rare) letdown... but wouldn't mind hearing it anyway
Posted 10 years ago by averybadcat    [ Reply ]
 oldfart48 wrote:

STEVE HAD HIS PROBLEMS , HOWEVER HIS WORST NEVER CAME CLOSE TO THE TRASH THAT SCREAMING JUNKY SHAT AT US....

 
.... yes why all the hate!!?
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
 oldfart48 wrote:

STEVE HAD HIS PROBLEMS , HOWEVER HIS WORST NEVER CAME CLOSE TO THE TRASH THAT SCREAMING JUNKY SHAT AT US....

 
Why all the hate? 
Posted 10 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
This song is beautifully trippy.
Posted 10 years ago by forge    [ Reply ]
 (former member) wrote:
I always think this is Nirvana. And that's not a bad thing.

 
STEVE HAD HIS PROBLEMS , HOWEVER HIS WORST NEVER CAME CLOSE TO THE TRASH THAT SCREAMING JUNKY SHAT AT US....
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
 tulfan wrote:
...he sounds like a grad of the Bob Dylan School of Vocal Expression...
 
THAT WOULD BE A GOOD THING...{#Dance}
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
 hiromike wrote:

you might hear similar content on KGSR in Austin TX,  but it is hardly a regular radio station.  
KPIG
 Freedom California

BillG's almamater, not a " regular " station, just the only comerical station left that plays real music. in Cal.{#Dance} altho they have been guted by corporate idiots....{#Evil}
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
 hiromike wrote:

you might hear similar content on KGSR in Austin TX,  but it is hardly a regular radio station.  

 
 
kpig freedom california
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
The music has been good for me this arvo but I only heard Passenger for the first time last Thursday and I am hooked especially on the album All the little lights which I absolutely must listen to now.  Sorry for the out of context intrusion Earle fans - pretty cool song by the way.
Posted 11 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
 Poacher wrote:
So glad this is back on the playlist again. It was playing here when I first joined back in errrr. . . whenever. . . and mede a real impression on my young mind at the time :)

Where else would you hear this kind of stuff on a radio station eh?

Lovely stuff.

 

 
you might hear similar content on KGSR in Austin TX,  but it is hardly a regular radio station.  

 
Posted 11 years ago by hiromike    [ Reply ]
Does no one notice this song is skipping and playing the same portion over and over?
Posted 11 years ago by weevilkinevil    [ Reply ]
 Misterfixit wrote:


Don't think so.  I heard he turned up on the wrong end of a cleverly concealed 20mm chain gun while he was driving up the San Diego Freeway in one of those electric ecofreek cars road hogging in front of some maniac's original Diesel Hummer with the special hood mounted Road-Rage Target Defenestration Unit.

 
Fantasy, Rumor or Confession, Misterfixit? Perhaps all three if you've been particularly enterprising. 
Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
{#Meditate}
Posted 11 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]
 meinthecorner wrote:
Steve's one artist I choose to follow because he is remarkable. Not only did he basically pick himself up out of his own grave early on, but, he manages to make me laugh, cry and dance with every album of his that I own. That, to me, is some special talent!!
 
Yes! Thank you kindred spirit!
{#Dance}
  
Posted 12 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
 sronis wrote:
He sings like he's constipated.
 
I believe that's the origin of the song title.
Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
...he sounds like a grad of the Bob Dylan School of Vocal Expression...
Posted 12 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
So glad this is back on the playlist again. It was playing here when I first joined back in errrr. . . whenever. . . and mede a real impression on my young mind at the time :)

Where else would you hear this kind of stuff on a radio station eh?

Lovely stuff.

 
Posted 12 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
Bad vocals doesn't normally bother me.  I like Jerry Garcia, Leonard Cohen, Dylan, etc... But the vocals on this are like fingers on a chalkboard.
Posted 12 years ago by gggggggggg    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

The man went through a lot, but he kept his soul. I love "Transcendental Blues," and also "The Revolution Starts Now."  I'll join your committee - um, what's our prime directive?{#Mrgreen}
 
Um, to get this song a higher rating? And, I'm joining too!
Posted 12 years ago by meinthecorner    [ Reply ]
Steve's one artist I choose to follow because he is remarkable. Not only did he basically pick himself up out of his own grave early on, but, he manages to make me laugh, cry and dance with every album of his that I own. That, to me, is some special talent!!
Posted 12 years ago by meinthecorner    [ Reply ]
He sings like he's constipated.
Posted 12 years ago by sronis    [ Reply ]
Nice sound!
Posted 13 years ago by fabduchi    [ Reply ]
 dmax wrote:
I always think this is Nirvana. And that's not a bad thing.
 
Yes it is.
Posted 13 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Now how about something from Jim White's Transnormal Skiperoo !?
Posted 13 years ago by Jeff09    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
Nice raw guitar sound.
 

and percussion

Posted 14 years ago by allenrudd    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:

This song should have a higher rating.  I am thinking about forming a committee.


 
The man went through a lot, but he kept his soul. I love "Transcendental Blues," and also "The Revolution Starts Now."  I'll join your committee - um, what's our prime directive?{#Mrgreen}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
I live in a place where music is pretty cut and dried - we get the top forty. There was once a wonderful station, pioneered by Ken Sutherland and Rich Bryan, and it was called Coyote FM. I had my first taste of Steve Earle's "Transcendental Blues" and "The Revolution Starts Now." Lots of other stuff, too. It was a little piece of paradise, in its day. Coyote bites the dust August 1, after having changed formats several times in an effort to survive.

Salutations to the soon-to-be defunct Coyote FM. When you were good, you gave me Charlie Sexton, Arc Angels, "Bridge of Sighs," and Jessie Colin-Young. When you were bad, you still gave me "Seagull" by Bad Company and "Conquistador" by Procol Harum.

I'll miss you. Dammit.

Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Three in a row for the left of center.  Yeah!!!!!
Posted 14 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Steve Earle and the Heartbreakers :)


Posted 14 years ago by Netto    [ Reply ]
There is so much going on sonically in this song. It's like an auditory massage.
Posted 14 years ago by FrankMc    [ Reply ]
Nice raw guitar sound.
Posted 14 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:

This song should have a higher rating.  I am thinking about forming a committee.

 
Yeah, committees have done a lot of good in the world. {#Rolleyes}
I think Steve's voice on this is horrifying. I'm thinking about seeing a therapist...it seems like PTSD. {#Stop}
Posted 14 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
Ah, thanks! I like Steve Earle's music. ^..^~
Posted 14 years ago by rbigelo    [ Reply ]
Yes, this is one of Steve Earles better efforts!{#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Good stuff!
Posted 15 years ago by mfassett    [ Reply ]

This song should have a higher rating.  I am thinking about forming a committee.


Posted 15 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 philbertr wrote:
Waiting for another negative comment from Excelsior.  Should be coming up any minute now.....
 

Don't think so.  I heard he turned up on the wrong end of a cleverly concealed 20mm chain gun while he was driving up the San Diego Freeway in one of those electric ecofreek cars road hogging in front of some maniac's original Diesel Hummer with the special hood mounted Road-Rage Target Defenestration Unit.

Posted 15 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
megisi wrote:
This album is incandescent, brilliantly conceived and executed, thoroughly engaging, allathat ... I was a Steve Earle fan before it, but my respect for his artistry went to a new height when I heard Transcendental Blues.

10

I was trying to articulate how I felt about this song ... thanks!


Posted 15 years ago by hallogallo    [ Reply ]
 MortimerS wrote:
Vocals: bad parody of Bob.
Lyrics: Banal
Melody: Nonexistent.
2
And not excelsior, I am more average than that.
 
I guess that just proves that good music is synergistic!

Posted 15 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
 megisi wrote:
This album is incandescent, brilliantly conceived and executed, thoroughly engaging, allathat ... I was a Steve Earle fan before it, but my respect for his artistry went to a new height when I heard Transcendental Blues.

10
 

Excellent comment.

I saw Steve's son, Justin Townes Earle, in S.F. the other night. It looks like the Earle's are gonna be around for a while. {#Clap}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
This album is incandescent, brilliantly conceived and executed, thoroughly engaging, allathat ... I was a Steve Earle fan before it, but my respect for his artistry went to a new height when I heard Transcendental Blues.

10
Posted 15 years ago by megisi    [ Reply ]
 ppak wrote:
Steve plays "Walon", a recovering addict on "The Wire", his words of wisdom on this show are stunning, thanks David Simon, thanks Steve!
 

I am still going through withdrawal over the discontinuation of The Wire and The Sopranos.  The Golden Age of TV is over for the moment.
There is a musical connection here, with Steve Van Zandt starring in the Sopranos.
Posted 15 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
Vocals: bad parody of Bob.
Lyrics: Banal
Melody: Nonexistent.
2
And not excelsior, I am more average than that.
Posted 15 years ago by MortimerS    [ Reply ]
Waiting for another negative comment from Excelsior.  Should be coming up any minute now.....
Posted 15 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
Steve Earle's still rockin', thank you RP!

Posted 15 years ago by bobcat1963    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:
Ugh. Can this guy hit even ONE note?
 
I'll bet you he's made more money singing than you have. {#Wink}
Posted 16 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
My favorite Steve Earle tune, right here on RP. Thanks Bill.
Posted 16 years ago by HarrO    [ Reply ]
Really, really like Steve Earle. Love this one particularly.
Posted 16 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
As a follow-up I would like to hear Transcendental Express from Can (from their Unlimited Edition album), the only totally underrated group on this channel - for i NEVER hear them on RP.

So why not kick out 2raumwohnung and Nena, and put on some Can instead?

Posted 16 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
sounds like when you play a record backwards to hear a hidden message.
Posted 16 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
I'd have the blues too, if my singing was this horrid.
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
Unintelligible and off pitch.  A waste of several minutes.
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
You hear about those folks who chew tobacco all their lives, how their lips rot out? Sounds like that happened to this guy.
Posted 16 years ago by vit    [ Reply ]
Ugh. Can this guy hit even ONE note?
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
Oh hell no. Channel is getting changed RIGHT NOW.
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
I know this song, but not this version (even though it appears to be the original). AllMusic is not being helpful...anyone know who's covered it?
Posted 16 years ago by vivakitty    [ Reply ]
Saw him in Austin the other night, with his latest wife. Good show.
Posted 16 years ago by Odyzzeuz    [ Reply ]
Just thought y'all might like to know--this ENTIRE album is awesome!
Posted 16 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
Great song; Great Album: Great guy
Posted 16 years ago by brewmonkey    [ Reply ]
What's transcendent is this song.
Posted 16 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Go Steve
Posted 16 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
ppak wrote:
Steve plays "Walon", a recovering addict on "The Wire", his words of wisdom on this show are stunning, thanks David Simon, thanks Steve!
I wondered if anyone, else noticed that! Great show, great artist! Great album this, too! And a great patriot, Steve Earle, in the true sense of the word, not a flag waver, but one who examines the state of the country he loves, and is unafraid to question or criticize it, or even disagree vehemently. As was Martin Luther King, among others, for instance. Merely supporting it through bad periods is not enough, your country needs you to be vigilant when it comes to true government and democracy. Or else it'll just keep making bad decisions.
Posted 16 years ago by garthwb    [ Reply ]
Just saw him in Winnipeg. Great show!!
Posted 16 years ago by heathenchild    [ Reply ]
Steve plays "Walon", a recovering addict on "The Wire", his words of wisdom on this show are stunning, thanks David Simon, thanks Steve!
Posted 16 years ago by ppak    [ Reply ]
Wow. Where else are you gonna hear a set like Gillian Welch>Yann Tiersen>Moby>Steve Earle ? That is just too damn good for the hit parade to handle.
Posted 16 years ago by joshfm    [ Reply ]
go_ski_mully wrote:
That woman is the folk singing legend / icon Emmylou Harris!
Actually it's not. It's his sister Stacey. Emmylou doesn't appear on Transcendental Blues (although she may on another of his records)
Posted 16 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
LOVE Steve Earle....other songs more than this one perhaps, but certainly one of the finest songwriters of our generation.
Posted 16 years ago by Stewed_Mulligan    [ Reply ]
Crank It X's 2 Now if I could hear some Pb Dirigible w/ a marching warsaw oh
Posted 16 years ago by typecast    [ Reply ]
upgraded from 6 to 7 to 8 over the course of the song. Nice.
Posted 16 years ago by donmatthews    [ Reply ]